Injuries & Moves: García (back) getting close
LATEST NEWS
May 8: RHP Yimi García (lower back) eyeing Friday return
Though manager John Schneider said prior to Wednesday's game against the Phillies that he hoped to have García available out of the bullpen, it became evident that the right-hander was still not an option when Toronto stayed away from him in the late innings of a 5-3 victory. Schneider said after the game that García is getting close, but with Thursday's off-day, they opted to be extra cautious by giving him an extra day.
Though it's a bit unusual to go this long without either using a reliever -- García has not pitched since April 28 -- or placing him on the injured list, Schneider said the Blue Jays wanted to wait as long as possible considering how valuable García (0.68 ERA in 13 appearances) has been to the bullpen.
"He's feeling better," Schneider said. "Hopefully he'll be ready to roll on Friday."
May 7: LHP Ricky Tiedemann (ulnar nerve inflammation) resumes throwing
The Blue Jays' No. 1 prospect began throwing earlier this week at the club's complex in Dunedin, Fla., though he has not pitched off a mound yet. Tiedemann last pitched on April 11 with Triple-A Buffalo before landing on the 7-day injured list a week later. An MRI showed no ligament damage and the 21-year-old southpaw has felt good so far playing catch.
"We'll see where that goes," manager John Schneider said prior to Tuesday's game against the Phillies. "Hopefully he doesn't have any more setbacks, and we'll probably cross that bridge in another couple weeks when he gets ramped up."
May 6: RHP Aaron Sanchez signs Minor League deal with Blue Jays
The Blue Jays reunited with old friend Sanchez on Monday, signing the 31-year-old to a Minor League contract.
Sanchez, who pitched for the Blue Jays from 2014-19, won the AL ERA title (3.00) and was an All-Star in 2016. He ultimately compiled a 32-33 record with a 3.96 ERA over 146 games (92 starts) with Toronto, plus a 2-0 record and 3.32 ERA in 11 postseason outings (19 IP) over 2015 and '16.
Sanchez will report to Triple-A Buffalo and is expected to start on Friday.
10-DAY/15-DAY INJURED LIST
RHP Yariel Rodríguez (thoracic spine inflammation)
Expected return: May 15
After having his Spring Training schedule delayed due to back spasms, Rodríguez landed on the 15-day injured list on April 30 with thoracic spine inflammation. The right-hander played catch without any issues on May 6 in Florida, and he's expected to join the Blue Jays in Philadelphia on May 8 to continue his rehab with the club. Manager John Schneider said this is "a little bit similar" to Rodríguez's previous issue, but the club hopes this won't cost the 27-year-old as much time as it did during spring. (Last updated: May 7)
RHP Bowden Francis (right forearm extensor tendinitis)
Expected return: TBD
Francis threw a bullpen session on May 6 in Toronto and is expected to throw a two-inning side session on May 9 -- a clear sign that he's progressing toward a potential rehab assignment. The righty looked sharp in his April 24 appearance for the Blue Jays, throwing two scoreless innings, but the club placed him on the IL the next day with this forearm issue. (Last updated: May 7)
RHP Chad Green (right teres major strain)
Expected return: TBD
Green is continuing to extend the distance of his long toss, but he has yet to throw off a mound, something that manager John Schneider said will hopefully happen by the end of the week of May 6. The right-hander landed on the IL on April 20 (retroactive to April 17) with a right teres major strain. While his return to throwing is good news, the Blue Jays don't have a timeline for his return to a Major League mound. Schneider said things will remain "fluid" as Green returns to throwing. The 32-year-old was off to a strong start, with a 2.35 ERA over seven appearances as the Blue Jays’ setup man. (Last updated: May 7)